A New Era for the Ocean: The High Seas Treaty and What It Means for Our Future

Fifteen years of debate and negotiation. That’s how long it took to reach an agreement about something most of us never see: the High Seas. On March 4, 2023, the President of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, declared, “The ship has reached the shore,” marking the moment when consensus was finally achieved on a treaty to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). 

But what are the High Seas, and why do they matter? And perhaps most importantly, what does this treaty promise to do? 

The High Seas: A Hidden World 

For decades, the High Seas have been a free-for-all, a wild frontier where industrial exploitation outpaced governance. Covering two-thirds of the global Ocean and nearly half of Earth’s surface, these international waters are home to remarkable biodiversity, including deep-sea corals, migratory fish, and species yet to be discovered. They regulate the climate, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, and sustain millions of livelihoods. 

Yet, despite their importance, the High Seas have faced decades of unregulated fishing, deep-sea mining, and unchecked pollution. With less than 1% of these waters fully protected, marine ecosystems have been left vulnerable, teetering on the brink of collapse. 

The High Seas have often been described as a “lawless wilderness.” The High Seas Treaty is a long-overdue attempt to bring order to this chaos. 

What Does the High Seas Treaty Do About This? 

The High Seas Treaty, a landmark addition to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aims to fill that gap. It establishes the first-ever international legal framework to conserve and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

Here’s what the Treaty promises to do: 

  • Create High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): 
    These underwater sanctuaries will restrict harmful activities like industrial fishing and seabed mining, helping to safeguard fragile ecosystems. The goal? To protect 30% of the world’s Ocean by 2030 (yes, we cannot achieve this target unless we go beyond territorial waters), aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 
  • Mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): 
    All significant activities on the High Seas must now undergo thorough assessments to evaluate their ecological impact. This ensures a precautionary approach to any development in these waters. 
  • Equitable Sharing of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): 
    The Treaty includes provisions to fairly distribute the benefits from marine genetic resources, such as those used in developing new medicines or technologies, especially to support developing nations. 
  • Support Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: 
    Developing countries will gain access to funding, training, and technology to engage in conservation and sustainable management of High Seas biodiversity. 

 

The Challenges Ahead 

The Treaty’s adoption is a monumental achievement, but the real work begins now. At least 60 nations must ratify the agreement for it to come into force, a process that could take years. As soon as the 60th country ratifies, it will trigger a 120-day countdown, after which the High Seas Treaty will enter into force.  

But hey,  

The High Seas Treaty isn’t just a win for the Ocean—it’s a win for humanity. It represents a shift toward recognizing our shared responsibility for the planet’s most critical ecosystems. 

As the Treaty moves toward implementation, the world has an opportunity to reshape the narrative of the High Seas: from a story of exploitation to one of conservation and hope. The ship may have reached the shore, but the real journey is only just beginning. 

 

How You Can Be Part of the Movement 

You don’t need to live by the Ocean to help protect it. Everyone, whether from a coastal village or a landlocked city can play a role in ensuring the success of the High Seas Treaty. Here’s how: 

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the high seas and why they matter. Organizations like the High Seas Alliance and World Ocean Day provide accessible resources to deepen your understanding and share with friends, family, and community. 
  • Get Involved in Awareness Campaigns: Participate in youth-led initiatives, online challenges, and educational workshops that highlight the importance of protecting marine biodiversity. Many groups offer creative ways to raise awareness, such as virtual events or advocacy toolkits. 
  • Advocate for Action: Reach out to your local representatives and policymakers, urging them to sign and ratify the Treaty. Every country’s commitment counts toward bringing the Treaty into force. 

About the Author: 

Ajay Sawant (he/him) is an Alum of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council. He is an award winning ocean-climate communicator and EE 30 Under 30 honouree focused on bridging marine conservation and climate action. He is the President at ThinkOcean Society, High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia (India) and Media Manager at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program. Through his organisation Generation Artivism, he empowers youth in advocating for the ocean. 

 

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